Ch. 3 pgs 84-89

Understanding
Brain Research
Methods

​Ch. 3 pgs 84-89

Introduction to
Brain Research

Studying the brain is crucial for understanding human

behavior, cognition, and emotion. Psychologists employ

various methods to explore brain structures and

functions, providing insights into neural mechanisms that

underlie mental processes.

Techniques such as lesion studies,

electroencephalography (EEG), and neuroimaging (CT,

MRI, PET, fMRI, and TMS) allow researchers to

investigate brain activity and its correlation with behavior.

By observing the effects of brain damage or changes in

electrical activity, scientists can infer the roles of

different brain regions, ultimately enhancing our

comprehension of the complexities of the human brain.

Multiple Choice

Scientist are NOT able to infer the different parts of brain regions

• True

• False

Brain Lesions: An Overview

Understanding Brain Lesions

•Brain lesions are areas of the brain that have been damaged due to various

factors such as strokes, falls, automobile accidents, gunshots, or tumors. These

damages can affect brain function significantly.

•In some cases, brain lesions may be created intentionally through surgery, such as

that designed to remove brain tumors or to reduce the effects of epilepsy, as seen

in split-brain patients.

•Studying brain lesions allows scientists to observe any loss of function that may

occur, providing insights into the roles of specific brain areas. For example, a

stroke affecting the occipital lobe may result in impaired vision.

•The case of Phineas Gage illustrates how brain lesions can alter personality and

behavior, revealing the involvement of the frontal lobe in emotions and moral

reasoning.

Multiple Choice

Brain lesions are areas of the brain that have been damaged due to various factors such as strokes, falls, automobile accidents, gunshots, or tumors. These damages can affect brain function significantly

• True

• False

Multiple Choice

In some cases, brain lesions may be created intentionally through surgery

• True

• False

Recording Electrical Activity

Methods of
Recording Brain
Activity

•Electrophysiological recording measures the brain's electrical activity through neuron firing.

•EEG (electroencephalography) records electrical activity via electrodes placed around the head.

•EEG can distinguish between states of sleep, wakefulness, and anesthesia based on brain wave patterns.

•EEGs are beneficial for tracking activity during tasks like reading and speaking, especially in children.

Applications of
EEG

•EEG helps in understanding brain abnormalities, such as epilepsy.

•Electrical impulses across the brain can show rapid changes in activity.

•This technique allows researchers to observe brain function while participants engage in various tasks.

Multiple Choice

EEG can distinguish between states of

• wakefulness

• sleep

• anesthesia

• all of the above

Multiple Choice

EEG does not help in understanding brain abnormalities, such as epilepsy.

• True

• False

Neuroimaging Techniques

CT scans use an X-ray tube to encircle the head, producing a three-dimensional image of brain

structures.

MRI utilizes magnetic fields to differentiate between tissue types in the brain, avoiding harmful

X-ray exposure.

PET measures the decay of a radioactive isotope injected into the patient, indicating brain

activity by showing which areas are more active.

Computerized Axial
Tomography (CT)

Magnetic Resonance
Imaging (MRI)

Positron Emission
Tomography (PET)

fMRI detects blood flow in brain regions, allowing researchers to see how activity changes as

participants engage in tasks.

Functional Magnetic
Resonance Imaging
(fMRI)

Case Study: Cyberostracism

Naomi Eisenberger and her colleagues (2003) tested the hypothesis

that people excluded by others experience pain similar to physical pain,

using fMRI to monitor brain activity during social exclusion.

Results showed that activity in two areas of the frontal lobe increased

during exclusion, indicating that the physiological responses to social

exclusion are akin to those experienced during physical injury.

Understanding
Cyberostracis
m

Findings on
Brain Activity

Multiple Choice

The left hemisphere is primarily responsible for

• language and speech

• spatial skills

• perceptual

• pattern recognition.

Multiple Choice

The right hemisphere specializes in

• all of the above

• spatial skills

• perceptual

• pattern recognition.